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United States Patent |
5,186,469
|
Terris
|
February 16, 1993
|
Foldable soccer goal for easy storage
Abstract
A foldable soccer goal has a U-shaped open ended frame in which the legs of
the frame form goal posts and a cross connecting base element forms a
cross bar. An open-ended U-shaped housing has a corresponding shape and
the free ends of the legs forming the frame and housing connect at a
pivot. Toggle mechanism span respective legs of the frame and housing. The
housing mounts to the ground. When the frame pivots to be coplanar with
the housing, it nests within the housing. When the frame pivots to a
vertical position, it pulls a net structure from a roller in the housing
to form a soccer goal.
Inventors:
|
Terris; George (44 Floyd Ave., Tewksbury, MA 01876)
|
Appl. No.:
|
805015 |
Filed:
|
December 11, 1991 |
Current U.S. Class: |
473/478 |
Intern'l Class: |
A63B 063/04 |
Field of Search: |
273/398,400,401,402,411
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
3822883 | Jul., 1974 | De Vos | 273/411.
|
3938806 | Feb., 1976 | Husbanos | 273/411.
|
4083561 | Apr., 1978 | Daffer, Jr. | 273/411.
|
4127272 | Nov., 1978 | Pennell | 273/398.
|
4286786 | Sep., 1981 | Papadopoulos | 273/411.
|
4407507 | Oct., 1983 | Caruso et al. | 273/400.
|
4478420 | Oct., 1984 | Sowards | 273/411.
|
4615528 | Oct., 1986 | York | 273/411.
|
4842284 | Jun., 1989 | Rushing et al. | 273/411.
|
5080375 | Jan., 1992 | Moosavi | 273/400.
|
Primary Examiner: Grieb; William H.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Pearson & Pearson
Claims
What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the
United States is:
1. A soccer goal comprising:
A. a U-shaped, open-ended housing having leg means extending to free ends
thereof and an open top for defining a U-shaped recess,
B. a U-shaped open-ended frame means having leg means extending to free
ends thereof, said the free ends of said legs of said housing and frame
means being connected on a common axis whereby said U-shaped frame means
can rotate relative to said housing, said frame means and housing being
dimensioned so that said frame means can nest in said housing in a storage
position,
C. toggle means connected between said frame means and housing for allowing
the relative displacement of said frame means and housing to an erect
position and for releasably locking said frame means and housing in an
essentially erect position, and
D. net means attached to said frame means and housing for enclosing the
sides defined by said frame means when said frame means is in the erect
position whereby said leg means of said frame means constitute goal posts
for the soccer goal.
2. A soccer goal as recited in claim 1 wherein said toggle means comprises
first and second toggle mechanisms and said housing has the form of a
U-channel to receive said toggle means in a folded configuration.
3. A soccer goal as recited in claim 1 wherein each of said U-shaped
housing and frame means have a U-channel cross member extending between
said corresponding leg means, said housing cross member having its opening
facing the opening of said frame cross member to receive said frame cross
member means when said frame means is in the storage position.
4. A soccer goal as recited in claim 3 wherein each of said leg means of
said housing means is a U-channel with an opening facing said frame means
for receiving said frame leg means and said toggle means therein when said
frame means is in the storage position.
5. A soccer goal as recited in claim 3 wherein said net means comprises a
net having back and first and second side portions, roller means rotatably
supported in said housing cross member for storing said net, and fasteners
connected to said side means and leg means of said frame means whereby
said side portions are attached to said frame means when said frame means
is in the erect position and are detached to facilitate storage of said
net on said roller means.
6. A soccer goal as recited in claim 5 wherein said roller means comprises
a spring activated roller having spring means for being placed under
compression when the net is pulled from the roller means and for rolling
said net onto said roller means when the frame means moves to the storage
position.
7. A soccer goal as recited in claim 6 wherein said frame cross member has
a U-channel with an opening facing said opening of said U-channel of said
housing cross member whereby said frame cross member covers said net means
when said frame means is the a storage position.
8. A soccer goal as recited in claim 1 additionally comprising gas cylinder
means connected between corresponding leg means of said frame means and
housing for assisting in the movement of said frame means between the
storage and erect positions.
9. A soccer goal as recited in claim 8 wherein each of said toggle means
has first and second toggle arms connected respectively to said
corresponding leg means of said frame means and housing and has locking
means for interacting with said arms in the extended position for locking
said frame means in an erect position.
10. A soccer goal as recited in claim 9 wherein each of said gas cylinders
and toggle arms pivots to the corresponding leg means whereby said toggle
and gas cylinders fold into said leg means of said housing means when said
frame means moves to the storage position.
11. A soccer goal as recited in claim 1 additionally comprising stake means
depending from said housing for being driven into said ground thereby to
provide horizontal stability to said soccer goal.
12. A soccer goal as recited in claim 1 additionally comprising handle
means connected to said frame means for assisting in the transfer of said
frame means between storage and erect positions.
13. A soccer goal as recited in claim 1 additionally comprising a second
locking means connected to each of said housing and frame means for being
in juxtaposition when said frame means is in the storage position thereby
to provide a structure for locking said frame means and housing together
in the storage position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to soccer goals, and more particularly to a
soccer goal that is easily collapsed for storage.
2. Background of the Invention
Soccer, probably the most popular game in the world, is on a playing field
having two goals at opposed ends. Opposing teams try to kick a soccer ball
through opposite goals against the defense of their opponents. A standard
goal in the United States has an opening between vertical goal posts of
eight yards and an opening between horizontal cross bars and the ground of
three yards. The dimensions of the posts and cross bar may not exceed five
inches. Thus the aspect ratio of the goal is three to one. Generally
speaking, the goals may be 5.4 meters to 7.2 meters wide and 1.8 meters to
2.4 meters high, although the aspect ratio is preferably maintained.
Usually a net is supported behind the cross bar and posts, i.e., on the
side opposite the playing field ends, and at the sides to retain a ball
kicked into the goal.
A typical soccer goal comprises a rigid frame that includes some depending
structure that penetrates the ground to maintain the goal in a fixed
horizontal position, and to support a net. Soccer goals with this
construction have two characteristics. First, it is relatively easy for
individuals to grab the cross bar and exert enough leverage to topple the
goal. Second, these goals are found in large fields and people often walk
across these fields. At night, particularly, goals are not readily
visible, so it is possible for an individual to walk into the goal
unintentionally.
There have been a number of alternative goal structures proposed. The
following references are examples.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,822,883 to De Vos dated Jul. 29, 1974, for COMPARTMENTED
NET TARGET AND PLAY FIELD shows a playing net for a game and a frame 11
that may be constructed permanently or assembled in a collapsible manner.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,127,272 to Pennell dated Nov. 28, 1978, for PORTABLE SOCCER
GOAL shows a portable soccer goal that may be disassembled for easy
transport.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,786 to Papadopoulos dated Sep. 1, 1981, for SOCCER
TRAINING GOAL shows a goal frame, a net, and an inclined plate for
returning a ball kicked into the net. The inclination of the plate may be
adjusted.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,478,420 to Sowards dated Oct. 23, 1984, for SOCCER TRAINING
AND PRACTICE DEVICE shows practice device having a netting for returning
the ball and elastic ball retaining cords.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,615,528 to York dated Oct. 7, 1986, for SOCCER TRAINING
DEVICE shows a frame with a netting for returning a ball kicked in
practice and having a brace 16.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,284 to Rushing et al. dated Jun. 27, 1989, for CENTER
SOCCER TWO WAY GOAL shows a goal staked into the ground for a somewhat
soccer-like game.
None of these references discloses a structure that is adapted for
overcoming the detrimental aspects of conventional goals and is adapted
for use on regulation soccer fields. The De Vos patent discloses a game
with parts that are assembled in advance of playing the game or that are
assembled permanently. The Pennell patent discloses a soccer goal that
must be completely disassembled. The Reisling et al patent discloses a
collapsible goal, but requires a disconnection of parts. The remaining
patents disclose structures that are not readily collapsible without
disassembly. None of these structures provides or suggests a collapsible
structure that is adapted for soccer goals and that minimizes efforts to
collapse the goal for storage, particularly at the soccer goal site.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a soccer goal
constructed for facilitating the collapse of the soccer goal into a
storage position.
It is another object of this invention to provide a collapsible soccer goal
that is easy to install and erect.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a soccer goal that
collapses into a profile that is flush with the ground.
In accordance with this invention, a soccer goal comprises a U-shaped
structure that forms the upstanding goal posts and cross bar at the front
of a soccer goal. A U-shaped channel member having a corresponding form
lies on or in the ground. The free ends of the U-shaped structure and
channel pivot about a common axis. In a collapsed position, the U-shaped
structure nests in the U-shaped channel, so the soccer goal has a thin,
plate-like profile that can be flush with the ground. In an erect
position, the U-shaped structure lies in a vertical plane. A collapsible
toggle extends between the structure and channel to lock the structure in
its erect position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will be more
fully apparent from the following detailed description when read in
connection with the accompanying drawing in which like reference numerals
refer to like parts and in which:
FIG. 1 is perspective view of one embodiment of a soccer goal that embodies
this invention shown in an erect orientation;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the soccer goal in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the soccer goal in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a top view of the soccer goal in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a side view of the soccer goal when it is partially collapsed;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the soccer goal in a nearly fully collapsed
position;
FIG. 7 is a top view of a corner portion of the soccer goal when it is
fully collapsed;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 8--8 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 9--9 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a detailed plan view of a handle that attaches to the soccer
goal of FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a net used with the soccer goal as it is
oriented in a playing situation;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the net in FIG. 11 as it is prepared
before the soccer goal is collapsed to a storage position;
FIG. 13 is a detailed view showing the attachment of a net roller support
structure in the soccer goal of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an installed soccer goal of FIG. 1 in its
collapsed position.
DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
Referring to the FIGures and particularly FIG. 1, a soccer goal 20
constructed in accordance with this invention has a longitudinally
extending cross bar 21 connected between a pair of goal posts, namely a
left goal post 22 and a right goal post 23. The goal posts 22 and 23 and
the cross bar 21 may be formed separately or integrally to produce a
U-shaped, open-ended frame structure. The left goal post 22 has an upper
end 24 connected to the left end 25 of the cross bar 20. At its other,
lower end 26, the post 22 connects for relative rotation to a U-shaped
channel member 27. One leg 28 of the channel member 27 has a free end 28a
that receives the lower end 26 of the post 22.
A toggle mechanism 29 includes upper and lower toggle arms 30 and 31
respectively that connect at a central toggle pivot 32. At its other,
opposed end, an end pivot 33 connects the upper arm 30 for relative
rotation to the upper end 24 of the post 22 and thereby to the left end 25
of the cross bar 21 A end pivot 34 of the lower toggle arm 30, remote from
the toggle pivot 32, connects the lower toggle arm 30 for relative
rotation to the base member 27. There is a similar toggle assembly at the
right goal post 23 where identical reference numbers correspond to similar
elements; that is, there is a toggle mechanism 29 between the upright goal
post 23 and a leg 35 of the base channel member 27 that parallels the leg
28.
The end pivot points 33 and 34 typically are equidistantly spaced from a
pivot 36 at the juncture of the upright goal post 23 and the base member
35 forming an right triangle. As apparent, each of the toggle arms 30 and
31 will have an effective length of 70.7% of the distance between the
pivot 36 and the end pivot 34 when the goal is erect. This enables the
toggle mechanism 29 to support the goal post 22 in an upright position,
while folding to a closed position with a length that is less than the
distance between the end pivot 34 and pivot 36.
It is important to lock the toggles 29 in a fully extended orientation in
use. For example, a sleeve 37, as indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 3,
can interact with a non-uniform thickness or width of the toggle arms 30
and 31 to control the position of the sleeve 37. The sleeve 37 would be
coextensive with a portion of one of the toggle arms in an unlocked
position. The sleeve would slide to overlap the central pivot and portions
of the adjacent toggle arms 30 and 31 to lock the arms in the position
shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Alternatively, the toggle arms 30 and 31 may be
formed with interlocking portions as found in brace structures for table
legs and the like. Holes bored through the toggle arms 30 and 31 could
align when the goal post 23 is erect and receive a locking pin or ring.
There are still other structures that can be applied to provide this
locking function for the toggle mechanism 29.
The base member 27 has a "U" shape with legs 28 and 35 extending from a
base 38 to form a U-shaped open-ended housing. Each of the legs 28 and 35
and base 38 has a U-shaped cross-section with inner and outer walls 40 and
41 and a bottom wall 42 as particularly shown in FIGS. 1, 8 and 13.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 6 and 8, the lower end 26 of the goal post 22
connects for relative rotation to the inner wall 40 at one end 28a of the
leg 28. The lower end of the goal post 23 connects to the leg 35 at the
pivot 36. As shown particularly in FIGS. 1 and 2, the U-shaped base
channel member 27 defines an open rectangular channel in a horizontal
plane that receives the cross bar 21 and goal posts 22 and 23 in a nested
relationship in the U-shaped recess that the walls 40, 41 and 42 form.
This is shown in FIGS. 1, 6, 8, 9 and 14.
Ground pegs or spikes 43 depend from the bottom 42 of the channel member 27
to engage the ground and stabilize the goal posts 20 in a horizontal
plane. Thus, as particularly shown in FIGS. 9 and 14, when the goal posts
22 and 23 and cross arm 21 are pivoted to a horizontal position, they nest
in the open top channel formed by the base member 27 and the entire goal
post structure is then flush with the ground 44.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 3 through 5, it is possible to facilitate
the action of pivoting the goal post 22 and 23 and cross bar 21 between
the horizontal and vertical positions by attaching gas cylinders 50 to
each of the goal posts 22 and 23. As shown, the gas cylinders 50 connect
at a lower pivot 51 at an intermediate portion along each of the legs 28
and 35. An upper pivot 52 attaches to a mid portion on each of goal posts
22 and 23 respectively. Such gas cylinders perform two functions. When the
goal post rotates to a horizontal position, the gas cylinders 50 tend to
resist the change thereby to provide a controlled rotation to the
horizontal position. When the goal posts are raised, the gas cylinders 50
produce an upward force on the goal posts 22 and 23 to assist during the
erection process.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 11 through 13, the goal post 20 additionally
has a net 55. When the goal posts are in an erect position as shown
particularly in FIG. 1, the net has a back portion 56 and a side portions
57 and 58. Thus the structure shown in FIG. 1 provides a fully-enclosed
goal structure for soccer.
In accordance with another aspect of this invention the back base 38 has a
roller 60 supported in end frames 61 and 62, as particularly shown in
FIGS. 1, 4 and 13. Referring to FIG. 13, the end frame 62 has a base 63
that can be welded or otherwise affixed to the bottom wall 42 of the back
member 38 and an upright 64. The roller shade 60 includes a conventional
window shade spring 65 with an extending axle 66 that the upright 64
supports. The axle 66 typically will be keyed in a slot in the upright 64
thereby to allow the spring 65 to be wound or compressed while the net 55
is being taken from the roller 60 and then to unwind and roll the net 55
onto the roller 60 when the cross bar 21 and goal post are lowered to a
storage position.
As shown particularly in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the goal post is erect, the
sides 57 and 58 are vertical and have a triangular shape. Referring
particularly to FIG. 1, when the cross bar 21 and goal posts 22 and 23 are
erect, a series of snaps or like fasteners 67 coact with the net to affix
the edges of the net to the goal posts 22 and 23. Prior to storage, the
side panels 57 and 58 are detached from the frame and rolled back onto the
upper surface of the back 56 of the net 55. The net 55 then has an overall
rectangular profile of the back 56 and is easily rolled onto the roller
60.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 and particularly FIG. 10, the step of raising or
lowering the cross bar 21 and goal post 22 and 23 is additionally
facilitated by the installation of handles 70 at the corners of or
elsewhere along the cross bar 21. Each handle 70 has a U-shaped member 71,
the legs of which pass through apertures 72 in the cross bar 21. A
preventer 73 closes the U shape, so the handle 70 can not be removed from
the cross bar 22. Screws or other fastening devices 74 secure the
preventer to the U-shaped handle 70. When the goal posts 22 and 23 are in
an erect position, the handles 70 drop by gravity so only the upper
portion 75 of the handle 70 is exposed outside the cross bar 21.
As shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 and 14, a locking mechanism can be included
with this structure. In this specific embodiment, a locking tab 80 extends
from the cross bar 21 and contains a central aperture 81. Another locking
tab 82 is formed integrally with the back member 38 and has an aperture
83. When the soccer goal is in its storage position, as shown in FIG. 14,
the locking tabs 81 and 83 abut and the apertures, such as aperture 81,
align. Then a standard lock can be inserted through the apertures 81 and
82 to secure the structure in the form shown in FIG. 14.
As shown particularly in FIGS. 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8, the toggle mechanisms 29
and gas cylinders 50 fold into the open top housing formed by the legs 28
and 35 and the base 38 when the goal posts 22 and 23 and cross bar 21
pivot into the storage position shown in FIG. 14. Thus, none of this
structure protrudes above the profile as shown in FIG. 14.
When it is desired to use the goal, it is merely necessary to release any
lock that holds the locking tabs 80 and 82 together. Two individuals grab
the handles 70 and lift the goal posts to their upright position as shown
in FIG. 1. As this occurs, the net, that is permanently connected to the
cross bar 21, withdraws from the roller 60 while the roller spring
assembly 65 tensions. Then the side flaps 57 and 58 are draped over the
sides and connected at the fasteners 67. Thus the net assumes the general
shape shown in FIG. 11. The spring assembly 65 maintains sufficient
tension on the roller 60 to keep the back 56 of the net 55 taut. The
toggles 29 provide a positive locking function to keep the goal posts 22
and 23 in a secure and upright position. The ground spikes 43 minimize the
possibilities of dislodging the goal posts horizontally particularly when
the base member 27 lies in a trench.
When the soccer goal is no longer to be used, it is a simple matter to
return it to a storage configuration. First the fasteners 67 are released
and the net sides 57 and 58 are pulled outward and over on top of the back
portion 56 of the net 55 so that the net 55 has a rectangular profile as
shown in FIG. 5. Then the toggles 29 are released and the handles 70 are
used to pull the cross bar 21 back toward the ground. The goal posts 22
and 23 will then rotate about the pivots, like the pivot 36. As the cross
bar 21 moves toward the back channel 38, the roller 60 retrieves the
entire net 55. Then the cross bar 21 is locked to the back member 38. In
this position, particularly as shown in FIG. 9, the cross bar 21, if
formed as a U-shaped channel opened to the back as shown in FIG. 1, covers
the roller 60 and all the operating mechanism thereby to prolong its life.
Therefore in accordance with the objects and advantages of this invention,
there has been provided a foldable goal post. It is easily converted
between a playing position and a storage position. In the storage position
it can be flush with the ground. It is also relatively easy to transport a
soccer goal from one location to another as in its storage it is a compact
structure due to its planar profile. The use of the extended ground pins
that can be either rigidly affixed or threaded to the bottom wall 42 of
the U-shaped channel 27 provides also a means of maintaining stability of
the base member 27 even when the goal post rests on the surface of the
ground.
As a result the two major detriments of stationary goal posts are overcome.
Particularly, in the storage position shown in FIG. 14 it is not possible
for an individual to grab the cross bar and topple the goal to the ground.
Secondly, if the goal post is located in a trench formed in the ground as
shown in FIGS. 9 and 14, the entire structure is flush with the ground and
minimizes the possibility that some one will trip over or run into the
goal post.
This invention has been defined in terms of a specific embodiment. It will
be apparent that a number of variations can be made to this structure. For
example, a different toggle mechanism might be used. The gas cylinders are
optional and might be replaced with mechanical springs or eliminated all
together. This particular embodiment is shown as being completed
constructed with U-shaped channels, however, other frame configurations
might be utilized for parts of the structure. All these changes and
modifications can be made with the attainment of some or all of the
inventions. Therefore it is the intent of the appended claims to cover all
such variations and modifications as come within the true spirit and scope
of this invention.
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